We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Betsy Chasse a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Betsy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

We only live once, so they say. So, you might as well make it interesting. As I am well into my 53rd year in this incarnation, I’m grateful I came into this life with the willingness to not play by the rules, at least most of the time. For sure, it has meant sometimes living hand to mouth or month to month, and yet as I reflect back on my life I am filled with fond memories of wild adventures in amazing places.

When I look up the definition of Risk I find:

risk
noun
a situation involving exposure to danger.
“flouting the law was too much of a risk”
Similar: possibility, chance, probability, likelihood, danger, peril, threat, menace, fear, prospect.

Opposite:
impossibility

verb
expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss.
“he risked his life to save his dog”

Wow, there are some scary words listed there. But it doesn’t have to be. It can be the most important choice you make this lifetime. The trick is to understand the difference between imminent danger and paradigm shifting action. That’s hard to discern for sure. I follow a few simple “rules” when choosing to take a risk.

What outcome do I want?
What is the opposite of that outcome and can I survive it?
Will I regret not giving it a go?
What will I gain?
What could I lose?
How will the loss impact my family?
Does it align with my values and ethics?

Answering those questions will give you the information you need to decide if the risk is worth taking. We are in a fast changing reality where the old rules, the playing it safe, don’t mess up your credit score and do it later are outdated and in my humble opinion have created a society less willing to think big, dream big and do big. If you. look at all the people who have made improbable choices and succeeded, they took a risk.

Remember, this is your chance. I say go for it.

Betsy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m told my birth was filmed for a documentary on natural child birth and well here I am. I got into the entertainment industry with an accidental siting at the Hollywood Christmas Parade where I was marching as a mini majorette and the rest is history.

I create media that inspires and educates while exposing people to paradigm shifting science and technology that will forever change our world. I write books about life, documentary filmmaking, science and mysticism.

My films and doc series include: What The Bleep Do We Know (And Down The Rabbit Hole), Song of the New Earth, The Empty Womb, Pregnant In America, The Galileo Project.

My Books include: Killing Buddha,Tipping Sacred Cows, The Documentary Filmmaking Master Class and more.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In this business most of the doors are always shut and the gatekeepers are ever shifting and even more unwilling to take a risk than those of us creating the content. Being able to hear the word no is key to our success. The trick is to do your homework before you create something. Understand the 5 W’s- Who am I making this for, What do they want, Why would they watch/read/etc. it. When should I release it and Where?

There is art I create for myself and there is art I create to be seen. The art I create to be seen is also my business, so understanding the business side of my art allows me to mitigate the “no’s”, take constructive criticism, and adjust as needed.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I recommend everyone read:

The War of Art: (Steven Pressfield ) This is an important book for any creative who wants to earn a living doing what they love.

The Documentary Filmmaking Masterclass: (Betsy Chasse) Of course I’m partial to this one. It’s more than just a how to make a documentary. It focuses heavily on the psychology of what it takes to create a successful film or business.

The Book of Doing and Being: ( Barnet Bain) – If you’re struggling with blocks in your creativity, this book is full of fun ways to remove them.     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.betsychasse.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsychasse/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-chasse-41408149/
• Youtube: @BetsyChasseYES